Tom Jackson (actor)

Thomas Dale Jackson, OC (born 27 October 1948), is a Canadian-born Métis actor and singer perhaps best known for the annual series of Christmas concerts, called the Huron Carole, which he created and starred in for 18 years. He was the Chancellor of Trent University from 2009 until 2013, he is also known for playing Billy Twofeathers on Shining Time Station.

Life and career

A Métis,^[1] Jackson was born to Rose, a Cree, and Marshall, an Englishman, on the One Arrow Reserve, Saskatchewan near Batoche. He moved with his family to Namao, Alberta at age seven. They moved again to Winnipeg when he was fourteen. A year later, he dropped out of high school and lived on the streets for several years.

As an actor he has starred in TV shows such as North of 60 and Shining Time Station where his character Billy Twofeathers debuted in its Halloween episode Scare Dares, and made a guest appearance on Star Trek: The Next Generation in the season seven episode Journey's End. His films include The Diviners. He also starred in Grizzly Falls, in 1999. His film career remains active with his appearance in the 2007 horror thriller, Skinwalkers. He is set to appear in acclaimed director Sidney J. Furie's next feature, Pride of Lions, as Sergeant Robinson.^[2]

He has also released several albums of country and folk music.^[3]

He now resides in Calgary with his wife Alison and four children.

Philanthropy

A well-known philanthropist, Jackson created an annual series of Christmas concerts called the Huron Carole. Featuring Jackson and numerous other Canadian singers and performers, the Huron Carole troupe travels across the country each year, raising money for the Canadian Association of Food Banks. An album of Christmas songs recorded to tie-in with the tour is an annual best seller in Canada. After 17 years, Jackson retired the Huron Carole and in its place launched Singing for Supper, a cross-Canada tour that plays smaller community venues raising money and gifts of food, during the 2005 Christmas season.

After "North of 60" cast member Mervin Good Eagle committed suicide in October 1996, Tom started the Dreamcatcher Tour.

In the spring of 1997 Jackson's home town was bracing for "the flood of the century" that had already put towns south of the US/Canada border under water. Jackson was instrumental in organizing flood relief concerts across the nation (Calgary, Winnipeg).

Honorary degrees

Jackson has been honoured several times for his life's work. Most notably in 2000 he was made an Officer of the Order of Canada and is a former member of the Order of Canada Advisory Council. He has been nominated for Juno Awards and Gemini Awards. He has also received honours from several Canadian universities, including honorary degrees from the University of Calgary, Trent University and the University of Lethbridge. He also received the Humanitarian Award at the 2007 Juno Awards due to his charitable efforts.^[4] In May 2014, Jackson received a Governor General's Performing Arts Award (GGPAA) for his lifetime contributions to Canadian broadcasting. At the Gala honouring GGPAA recipients on May 10, Jackson took to the National Arts Centre stage to perform one of his songs.^[5]

On 14 April 2009, Jackson was announced as the tenth chancellor for Trent University.^[6] Jackson held this position until 2013.

Filmography

Discography

Albums

Singles

See also

• Aboriginal Canadian personalities

References

External links

• IMDB entry
• Official website
• Unofficial fansite
• NorthernStars: Tom Jackson profile/filmography